But Azazel was looking at me, and there was a blazing intensity in his eyes. Blue eyes, deep and vivid, so different from the muddy grays and rusty blacks and browns of this sepia-tinted world. Ive been looking everywhere for you, he snapped. Where the hell have you been?
I love you too, I said sweetly, but the mocking words fell oddly flat, making me uncomfortable. I went for a walk down by the river, and some people found me and brought me here.
People? he echoed.
The Nightmen, Beloch supplied. Youre lucky shes still alive. If she hadnt given them my name, she would have disappeared, and youd have a hard time explaining yourself. Apparently your name had no effect on them.
This is your element, not mine, Azazel said.
True enough. And my word is law.
Azazel moved between us, blocking my view of Beloch. It is. Which means you should think carefully before you make a pronouncement. What is more important? Vanquishing me, or her?
Silence, and I wished I could see Belochs face. You make an excellent point, he said finally. And I must say, its not an easy decision. The leader of the Fallen, or the first female when, if I wait a few days, I can have you both.
I would hardly think you would settle for less. Azazels voice was silken, persuasive.
What I find interesting is why youre suddenly set on keeping her, when before you wanted nothing more than to dump her. Have you already begun to lose?
Dont be ridiculous. There was contempt in his voice, and I wondered how Beloch would respond. Unfortunately, all I could see was Azazels tight rear end in black jeans. Which wasnt a bad view. I didnt wish to hand her over the first night, though I would have acquiesced if youd insisted.
Would you have?
You rule the Dark City. As you have said, your word is law. But I have my own curiosity about her, and about the prophecy. If you take her now, I will never know the truth.
Perhaps I enjoy the idea of you spending eternity wondering, Beloch suggested in a voice far removed from that of the courtly old gentleman whod served me tea.
Perhaps knowing my weakness would be an even greater punishment.
Silence. Again, I wonder why youre seeking to lose with such determination. It does seem like the wisest choice would be to deny what youre wanting so desperately.
Hardly desperation, Azazel said in a voice devoid of emotion. It is your choice, of course. I merely offer it as an intellectual exercise. If you take her now, I will simply return to Sheol and forget about her. Perhaps that might be the best answer after all.
Do not attempt to play games with me. You will lose. There was another silence. Take her. And I use those words deliberately. If I were you, I wouldnt let her out of your sight. If she were to run afoul of the Nightmen again, I expect everyone would be very distressed, in particular your friends back home.
She wont escape again. He turned, and I could see Belochs face now, looking as sulky as a child deprived of a toy. And then he caught my eye and smiled.
Dont worry, my child. Azazel wont hurt you. He wouldnt dare. He has something to prove to himself where youre concerned, and I know you have a generous spirit, enough to allow him to find the answers to
whats troubling him.
I wasnt sure of any such thing, but I didnt argue, rising gracefully. Azazel hadnt moved away, and he was too close, intoxicatingly so. God, if anyone was a sex demon, it was Azazel. I only had to look at him and I felt my insides melt.
He took my arm in a hard grip, and I wondered if Id end up with bruises. If I had any sense Id throw myself on Belochs mercythe comfort and safety of the library versus Azazels dangerous presence. But I knew I wouldnt. I knew I would follow Azazel wherever he led me, and I didnt know why.
We were at the door when Beloch spoke again, and his words sent ice into my veins. Dont look so worried, my dear Rachel. Azazel wont hurt you. In fact, you should consider yourself lucky. Its not every women who gets to fuck a fallen angel.
CHAPTER TEN
WHAT WAS HE TALKING about? I demanded as he led me from the building.
Be quiet. We will discuss this when we get home.
We dont have a home, I snapped. And Im not going anywhere with you until you explain this.
Yes, you are. He was right. His grip on my arm was unbreakable, and Id already had experience with his iron will. He would knock me out, cast some weird spell over me, do anything within his power to make me comply, and his power was impressive.
He led me past the uniformed men, who were clustered near the river as if waiting, and I could feel them watching us. We came to an abrupt halt when their massive leader moved in front of us.
It should have been ridiculouscompared to Azazels lean, wiry frame, he was huge, overpowering. He should have frightened me more than Azazel ever had. But there were different kinds of fear.
Where are you taking her, my lord? The honorific sounded sarcastic to my ears, and Azazels fingers tightened even more around the soft flesh above my elbow.
To the house on Cedar Street. Beloch has put her in my custody. I regret having to disappoint you. Sarcasm dripped from his words, and the mans eyebrows snapped together.